Advent

I waited a bit before updating the blog because I wanted to get to Advent. I read the newspaper over the weekend and realized that we as a country are experiencing a more frenetic and difficult Advent than in years past. Shoppers converged on stores at the earliest of hours the day after Thanksgiving in hopes of finding the best deals. Many are facing a Christmas season with less than they had last year. We are fearful of what will be announced in the news tomorow. Even today it became official that America has been in a recession for some time. Where is the good news? Where are good tidings of great cheer?

Our class from two weeks ago looked at Bonhoeffer's first sermon in the book of his Christmas Sermons. We also took a hard look at the Parable of the Talents. In looking at this parable, we concluded that there was no way to simply extrapolate a lesson from this parable. It must be looked at and read in context. Jesus' words paint a harsh picture of a master who demands the impossible from those who might not be capable of pulling them off. The parable can't be read simply to stand for the proposition that we must do all we can with what we have. Rather, perhaps it is a commentary on the impossible situation many face when they work for difficult, unforgiving bosses.

With all of this, I hope you won't be discouraged. As we discussed over the past few weeks, Advent is a season of waiting. We wait with great expectations, fueled by a hope born of faith given us by God. We put our trust not in the things of the world, but rather in God. Remember to take a step back from the planning and preparation for Christmas day, and revel in the waiting. Breathe a little more deeply and slowly today. In a publication I got in the mail today, one of the writers quoted Psalm 80. In Psalm 80, the text for the first Sunday of Advent, we read "Good Shepherd, lead and restore us. Lord God of hosts, shine your face upon me. God of restoration, give us new life." If you get discouraged this week, breathe this prayer -- God of restoration, give us new life. And then wait to see how God might answer.

Our class party is this Saturday evening. We hope to see you all there.

Have a blessed week.